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Irish Film Board budget remains stuck below 2008 levels – Tóibín

Sinn Féin Culture Spokesperson Peadar Tóibín has rebuked
Minister Humphrey’s passiveness at the Cabinet table at having allowed the
funding to the Irish film sector to remain below 2008 levels.

The Meath West TD said:

“The Irish Film industry employs over 10,000 people. It is
worth hundreds of millions of euro to the Irish economy. It allows us to
express ourselves creatively and it allows us an important opportunity to see
our story portrayed on screen.

“It is also priceless with regards educating and
entertaining people around the world as to who we are. There is no doubt that
this eases the travel of Irish people, products and services globally. This is
an enormously important benefit. Yet, Minister Humphreys has allowed the
funding to the sector to remain below 2008 levels. North of Ireland Screen the
northern equivalent, despite operating with a population base of half the
southern jurisdiction, has a larger budget.

“I don’t know if Minister Humphreys is up for
the fight. The paucity of investment is also seen in the Gaeltacht. Údarás na
Gaeltachta remains the only enterprise agency in the state that is still
operating on slashed budgets. These sectors within the Culture, Heritage
Department offer the state real opportunity for creativity and economic
development. Yet, they lack Ministerial aspiration and determination.”